All posts by josechurape

video game reviews

Is Threefold Recital Worth Your Time? An Honest Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Threefold Recital to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Some Self Promotion & Affiliates

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Threefold Recital?

Threefold Recital is an interactive title out now on Steam.

in the city of Bluscales, magic and technology blend into a new normal. Humans and beastkin roam its streets, but there are secrets within this bustling metropolis. Dive into a unique fantasy adventure and play as a snake who can swim through paintings, a wolf who can manipulate Karma lines, and a fox who can brew just about any concoction. What secrets will they uncover? What truths will they reveal? You are going to have to to play to find out.

Gameplay

This game is interactive fiction which means there is a lot of reading, but no voice acting. In between the story bits, players will need to solve puzzles and engage in different mini-games. Players are essentially walking between story beats and jumping between shifting perspectives that come together at the end.

Review

Threefold Recital left me conflicted. On one hand, I enjoyed the artstyle and some of the quirky writing, but the pacing is bad. The first couple of chapters are meant to hook the reader, but they are so bloated that it was hard to keep going. It isn’t the worst story you’ll read through, but you’re either going exist within the target audience, or you’re not going to care.

The mini games were unique, but the novelty wears off and they become a chore. Puzzles are a little too simple and felt like padding for the story, and the exploration is a little pointless. It doesn’t add anything to the game except to create busy work, and I believe the story would be better without it. Some people might appreciate the small break these tasks may give them, but when the story isn’t good enough to hook the reader, it makes it harder to keep caring about the game.

This isn’t a bad game. Threefold Recital is cute and has some fun moments, but you can do a lot better for $15. I would wait for a sale, but at least it is Steam Deck compatible (although I found the font a little too small for my liking.)

You can pick up Threefold Recital on Steam for $14.99.

video game reviews

Takara Cards Review: A Sci-Fi Deck Builder You Can’t Miss

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Takara Cards to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.

Some Self Promotion & Affiliates

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Takara Cards?

Takara Cards is a unique sci-fi deck builder out now on Steam.

The Space Dragons have stolen from the Federation and it is your job to bring them to justice. Pick from four unique classes, maneuver through the most dangerous parts of the universe, and build the strongest deck in the universe. Do you have what it takes to avoid the hazards of space and defeat anyone who gets in your way?

Gameplay

Players start their run with a simple deck that gets upgraded over time. Players will eventually unlock new races, weapons and other perks that make adventuring the far reaches of space easier. Players will drop into a randoms zone after each level where they must avoid hazards and defeat enemies on a 3×3 map. Combat is a turn based system where players have a limited amount of action points they can spend on attacks and abilities. Enemies and hazards act on their own turn. What makes the game unique is that he enemies actions are telegraphed to the player. Players must use this knowledge to maneuver through each level without dying.

Review

Takara Cards is a fantastic deck builder with a fun and you unique gimmick that everyone should have in their collection. I was not ready for how much I loved this game, but here I am, playing it as regularly as my schedule allows me.

Right off the bat, players will be drawn to the simple yet attractive art. I am a huge fan of the cartoonist style, and the amount of effort that went into building the game’s flavor. Couple this with the game’s fantastic soundtrack and you have a scifi game that leaves an impression. The story is fine. I like that choices matter and affect the ending, and the story gave the game a bit of added flavor that I enjoyed.

But the game has its substance. The game play is unique, and extremely addicting. The movement mechanics help set it apart from other games in the genre, and the strategy required keeps the game engaging. I found the challenge level high enough to keep things engaging without ever feeling sweaty.

If you are looking for a new deckbuilder, Takara Cards is a fantastic addition to any library. You can pick it up on Steam for only $14.99.

video game reviews

Is League of Angels: Pact Worth Playing?

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover League of Angels: Pact. The game is free to play, but I got a bit of in game currency and items to help with leveling and progression. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Some Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is League of Angels: Pact

League of Angels: Pact is an action-idle MMORPG out now on PC and mobile.

Call powerful angles to fight along side you as you fight your way through endless swarms of monsters and demons. Build your character with powerful loot, upgrade your abilities, and become the hero this world needs. Do you have what it takes? Will fortune favor your many rolls? Its free, so it doesn’t hurt to find out.

Gameplay

The game is an idle game with options to actively cast abilities. Players will let their character make their way through the adventure, farming xp, completing quests, and earning currency and loot for upgrades. This game is a more casual take on the old-school Diablo style of gaming, with a lot more collectibles and a steeper grind, even if it is a more passive one. Ultimately, the player is trying to farm resources to upgrade armor, abilities, and to summon more powerful angels. It is very RNG reliant, with a few skill-based roadblocks to keep players engaged.

Review

While League of Angels: Pact has that old school Diablo vibe that had me curious. The art style and flavor are fantastic, the animation is solid, and the world is interesting. That interest started to dry up quickly when it turned out to not be the truest definition of an AFK game.

Early levels of this game are guided by a competent AI. Players can sit back and enjoy a simple passive grind and a lot of flashing lights. Occasionally, the game requires player input to continue progression. The problem is that it happens too often to be considered a true AFK MMO. Other games in the genre allow players to log off and continue a very passive grind without any player input. There comes a time in League of Angels where you need to actively be playing and spending money to be competitive. Calling it an action-idle MMO sort of feels like a misnomer because you’re eventually going to have to play. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it isn’t what I signed up for.

The biggest issue with this game is the gameplay. Players are either going to enjoy the semi-passive grind, or it is going to be more trouble that it is worth. I wasn’t a fan of the semi-idle gameplay. The game became too much work, and the work wasn’t fun. I loved the art and flavor, but there wasn’t enough substance for me to stick with it. If you like old school Diablo and don’t mind eventually having to spend money, its free to try. You should definitely support the game if you like it, but it wasn’t for me. My search for a new mobile game continues.

League of Angels: Pact is free to play on Steam and on Android and IOS devices.

video game reviews

Why You Should Try Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell Now

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Juntunnslayer: Hordes of Hell?

Juntunnslayer is a roguelike bullet hell out now on Steam early access. There is also a demo available that you need to try out.

The hordes of hell have broken loose, and it is up to you to save the realm. Prove your worth as you fend off endless waves of enemies with your fighting prowess, and earn the blessings from the Gods that will carry you to victory. Do you have what it takes to keep the hordes of hell at bay?

Gameplay

All players load into a central hub where they can choose a load out and buy upgrades. Players can chose from a few available classes, but can unlock new perks, buffs, maps, and characters by completing challenges in game. Each map has unique objectives that must be cleared within the time limit, and any currency earned throughout a run can be used to upgrade a desired character. Players repeat this loop, slowly unlocking new challenges, difficulties, and maps to keep things fresh.

Combat can be as casual. Players have the options to allow the game to perform the various attacks automatically on a cool down, but there are settings that give players control over the aim and timing if they prefer a more hands-on experience. How good this system is really depends on a players preference. I loved the casual experience of auto casting while I maneuvered around the hordes of enemies.

During a level, players must complete quests to eventually summon the Jotunn before the timer runs out. During the run, players will unlock random buffs and abilities from either their class or different gods. The RNG is pretty fair, and each god and class has interesting and unique flavor.

Review

Juntunnslayer may still be in Early Access, but I recommend it to anyone looking for a cool new casual game to add to their collection. I love the viking aesthetic, and the attention to detail that went into the flavor and world building. Each class and god feels unique, and I had a lot of fun exploring every single combination the RNG presented me. The RNG in this game is fair. I never felt like a run was ruined because I didn’t have access to the right power-up and abilities, and I never got a load-out I didn’t like.

The game can feel a bit repetitive, but the game has enough unlockable content to earn its $8 price tag. Unlocking a new map, difficulty, or character gives players goals and creates a little variance. I like feeling more powerful as I unlock new nodes on a skill tree. I like trying out a new character and exploring different builds. And I love that I can explore different regions and earn harder difficulties. There are enough unlockables to keep the completion happy, and enough content for the casual who just want to play a fun game.

If you’re looking for a new game, pick up Jutunnnslayer: Hordes of Hell. This game is fun, looks great, runs well, and is Steam Deck compatible. You can pick it up on Steam for $9.99, but there is a free demo available if you don’t believe me.

Grand Archive TCG

2025 Grand Archive Ascent Utrecht Closing Ceremony Highlights

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The first European Ascent event was held in Utrecht this weekend, and it was an exciting time for the game. Make sure you check out the VOD on the official Grand Archive Youtube channell for high quality coverage of the event. The production keeps getting better with each event, and its a great place to start learning the meta.

Aside from its exciting gameplay, there was some exciting news that you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, I’ve collected all the important details in one place for you to enjoy! If you’re looking to pick up some Grand Archive, always support your LGS. If that isn’t an option, you can always get product from TCG Player using my affiliate link.

2025 Nationals Schedule Announced!

The schedule for Nationals have been announced. Specific dates are too come, but we have locations and months! It’s time to get grinding for Nationals!

Day 2 Promos

Like last year, players who qualify for Day 2 will receive a unique Sword of Seeking promo you aren’t going to want to miss out. This card is so pretty and it makes me wish I was better at the game.

Nationals Prize Card

Nationals finalists will get their hands on a beautiful Eternal Magistrate alt art. If haven’t been motivated to get good this season, you’re going to want to after seeing it.

Nationals Pre-registration Gift

Players who pre-register for Nationals will receive a special backpack. I’ll try to make the announcement as soon as pre-registration goes live, but the official Discord is a fantastic place to stay on top of the announcements.

Ascent Worlds

Ascent worlds will be in Anaheim this year, June 27 to the 29th. Tickets go on sale on the February 2nd, so make sure you start planning accordingly. Remember, this year you can qualify for worlds through normal means or the gauntlet, so keep on grinding!

Worlds Promo

This year’s worlds promo is a beautiful Spurn to Ash that belongs in everyone’s collection.

and there is a VIP variant!

Developer Stream Announcement

The most exciting news is the Developer stream happening on February 1st. This will officially kick of the Abyssal Heaven spoiler season, and have some important notes on the upcoming supplement set. You aren’t going to miss out, but I’ll be covering the key points shortly after. Stay tuned for that.

Tech Reviews

KiiBOOM Breeze 75: A Cute & Stylish Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

KiiBOOM sent me their Breeze 75 mechanical keyboard for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

What’s in the box?

  • Breeze 75 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable
  • 2.4 GHz wireless Dongle
  • Key/Switch Puller Tool
  • 2 Extra Switches

Features

The Breeze 75 is a 75% mechanical keyboard. It is available in black and white, purple, pink, and green. No matter what color you choose, it is ready to brighten up any cozy aesthetic. The keyboard features 81 keys and a volume control dial. The keys are backlit with customizable south-facing RGB, and they can be easily swapped with the included key puller. The clear base has RGB which means this keyboard is ready to fit into any setup. You can turn off the RGB at any time, but you aren’t going to want to.

But the keyboard is more than just its looks. The Breeze 75 transcends its beauty with its practicality. The clear base gives the keyboard its style as well as its ideal typing height and angle. The keys are supported with the KiiBOOM Matcha Late Switches which are very responsive and give off its satisfying creamy sound. With its high-speed wireless and Bluetooth connections, users can enjoy a desk free of wire clutter. That said, the included stylish cable is ready to deliver a fast connection when you eventually need it.

The keyboard is easy to use and set up out of the box, but tinkerers can enjoy added customization with the official KiiBoom software. The software allows users to program useful macros, add more function shortcuts, and customize the RGB. The program is easy to use and can be downloaded from the official product page.

Sound Test

Review

The Breeze 75 is a very pretty keyboard that looks better in person. I love the color scheme and appreciate how easy it is to swap everything if I ever need to. The RGB makes the keyboard pop on my desk, and the preprogrammed profiles are nice. You can go in and customize the color and effect, or borrow some from the community if you’re looking for something specific. The RGB can be dimmed or switched off, but you aren’t going to want to.

The impressive battery life will keep your desk free of wire clutter. Even with the backlight on with effects, I averaged 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge, which is more than enough. I like that the backlight shuts off after idling to conserve battery.

Most importantly, this keyboard is comfortable. The keys are soft, the keycaps are responsive, and the keyboard sits at a comfortable angle. I would still look for a wrist rest and take regular breaks, but it did not kill my hands like other keyboards have.

If you’re looking for a new mechanical keyboard, check out the KiiBoom 75. This is a well-constructed keyboard that feels good, easily customizable and comes in fun and pretty colors.

You can pick up the KiiBoom Breeze 75 in all its fun colors on the official website for $149. Pick yours up today!

video game reviews

Unleash Your Hacking Skills in Cyber Manhunt 2!

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Cyber Manhunt 2: New World – The Hacking Simulator to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Cyber Manhunt 2?

Cyber Manhunt 2: New World is a hacking simulator puzzle game out now on Steam.

You work for the prestigious Titan Corporation as an AI assistant. Your job is to mitigate any threats to the company and its assists through the use of your incredible hacking skills and a bit of AI. Crawl across cyber space as you gather clues, crack passwords, and solve puzzles. Use a bit of social engineering to get the information you need your cases, and get to know some deep and memorable characters. Do you have what it takes to become the world’s best hacker?

Gameplay

Cyber Manhunt 2 is a point-n-click narrative game full of creative hacking themed puzzles. Players start each chapter with a case they need to work through. Players must comb through social media, hack email and other accounts, and even remotely access devices to get the information they need to crack the case. The game offers little guidance, forcing players to be resourceful with what they can access. Information can be missed, so make sure you comb through everything carefully.

Review

If you haven’t played Cyber Manhunt 2: New World, it should at least be in your library. This will be the most creative and interesting game you will play all year, and it is only $10.

The game has a fantastic aesthetic, with an epic soundtrack to get you hyped for hacking. The voice acting is mostly good, but there are a couple of awkward reads that stand out. They aren’t bad enough that they take away from the game, but it is noticeable.

The overall story is fantastic. This may be a sequel, but the narrative exists independently. I never played the first Cyber Manhunt, but I didn’t feel I needed to. You will want to play it after how good the sequel is, but you won’t be lost if you start at two.

The gameplay is fantastic. The hacking puzzles were creative, challenging, and a ton of fun. You might need a guide here and there, but figuring out the clues and slowly unlocking the narrative is a real treat. I love how much story exists within the puzzles. Texts and emails you read through, pictures you find, and posts you comb through all have bits of important world-building that give the story much-needed weight. You can skim through and only look for clues, but I enjoyed learning about the different characters and the world around them as I pieced things together.

If you’re looking for a new puzzle game, Cyber Manhunt 2 won’t disappoint. It is a cool and creative entry into the genre that you aren’t going to want to miss.

You can pick up Cyber Manhunt 2: New World – The Hacking Simulator on Steam for only $9.99.

video game reviews

Super Puzzled Cat Review: A Cozy Puzzle Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Super Puzzled Cat to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Super Puzzled Cat?

Super Puzzled Cat is an adorable jumping puzzle game out now on Steam. Players must make their way through the games 150 creative levels, trying not to die. Players can use items like jet packs, bombs, and even bubble gum to navigate around a levels many hazards. These puzzles may look cute, but they will test the most seasoned veteran. Aside from the adorable skin and creative use of items, the game features a unique save state mechanic. Players can create as many save states through out a level, and recall between them at will. This means players don’t have to start a level over after dying, they can take it section by section.

Review

Super Puzzled Cat is the cutest game in my collection, and easily one of my favorites. The game has some adorable art, a fun world to explore, and some very creative and challenging puzzles. I am not the biggest fan of jumping puzzle games, but Super Puzzled Cat has earned a soft spot in my heart. I like that the puzzles don’t feel frustratingly impossible like others in the genre, and the save state mechanic made things a lot more manageable. While the game does feel like a casual puzzle game, there is enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. I love it for the cozy vibe, and will continue to play it even after the review.

If you are looking for a new puzzle game that isn’t a huge commitment, or in the mood for some cozy engaging gameplay, check out Super Puzzled Cat. It works great on the Steam Deck.

You can pick up Super Puzzled Cat on Steam for $16.99.

video game reviews

Escape Tales: The Awakening Game Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Escape Tales: The Awakening to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Escape Tales: The Awakening?

Escape Tales: Awakening is the video game adaptation of the board game of the same name. This is a escape room game where players need to solve puzzles to complete the narrative. There is a demo available that gives players the perfect snapshot of what to expect.

After his daughter falls into a mysterious coma, Sam is desperate to find the cure. A friend comes to him with a meritorious book and ominous intentions. Sam quickly begins flipping through the book and completing its rituals in hopes that it will mean his daughter’s salvation, but it might have been more than Sam bargained for. Sam must now survive a strange night filled with horrors as he tries to solve various puzzles. Can Sam save his daughter before it is too late?

Gameplay

Escape Tales: The Awakening is a point and click narrative. Players will click through a room collecting clues and trying to solve the various puzzles. There is no time limit to rush players through the game, but there is a stamina system that affects the ending. Players use stamina to explore each room for clues and can meditate to regain stamina. Meditating triggers an event like a memory, but meditating too many times will affect the outcome of the story.

Review

If you enjoy Escape Rooms and puzzles games, Escape Tales might be a good solution. The story is fine, but the puzzles are challenging enough to keep things engaging. There are a few puzzles that feel the same, but there is enough variety and creativity between them that I will let it slide. Puzzle difficulty does vary. Some puzzles are strait forward and easy, others might require a guide or a couple of hints. I do like that the game has built in tools to help players solve the puzzles. There is a note pad and players, but most importantly, players can resize, manipulate, and mark up the clues. Some might prefer pen and paper, but it is a handy feature.

I have mixed feelings about the stamina system. On one hand, I like the events that it triggers. Thematically, it is fantastic flavor to see the affects of the night slowly eating away at Sam, but it also feels punishing to have the outcome tied to this system. It might have been done to add a bit of replayability, but I don’t think I liked the game enough to give it another go. At least not for a while. It is not a deal breaker, but it is something to think about.

Regardless of this fact, Escape Tales: The Awakening is a solid puzzle game and I recommend it to people who enjoy escape rooms. The game offers a nice challenge, has a decent narrative to follow, and it is a pretty laid back experience regardless of the dark themes.

You can pick Escape Tales: The Awakening on Steam for $7.99.

Tech Reviews

Rastech Raspberry Pi 5 Kit: Unboxing & User Experience

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Disclaimer

Rastech sent me their Raspberry Pi 5 64 GB kit to review. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

What’s in the Box?

  • Raspberry Pi 5
  • Case
  • Fan and Heatsinks
  • Rastech Power Adapter
  • 2 x Mini HDMI Cables
  • 64 GB Mini SD Card
  • SD Card Adapter
  • USB-C Mini SD adapter
  • User Guide
  • Min Screwdriver

Review

The Rastech kit is a decent boast to be the best entry into the device, but is it worth it?

The included case is fine. It is a well-constructed case made of durable plastic that is well-machined and labeled. While it won’t survive being thrown at a wall, it will survive a few drops from your desk. Most importantly, the case is easy to put together. I recommend having your good mini screwdriver however, the one included in my kit was worthless. My only complaint is that there is no power button. There is a hole big enough for the included screwdriver to power cycle the device, but that might get old if it has to be done then. If you’re making this a NAS, it shouldn’t be a problem.

The case seems to allow for good airflow and the included fan does the job. I can’t speak on how it handles a maximum load, but it does casual net surfing and retrogaming well enough. I didn’t notice any throttling through my regular use.

The cables are high quality and a nice add-on. The 64 GB memory is great. Most of you will eventually switch to an M.2 drive, but 64 gigs give you a nice space to play with until then.

If you’re looking for a Raspberry Pi 5 kit and need the cables, the Rastech 64 GB kit is a great place to start. You’re going to want to upgrade to a nicer case eventually, but it is a great place to start.

You can pick up the Rastech Raspberry Pi 64 GB kit on Amazon through my affiliate link for $127.99.